Dr. Stephen Wolnek Z”L – Past President, MERCAZ Olami

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Following his election to the post of USY regional president as a teenager more than six decades ago, there hasn’t been a year in which Steve didn’t serve in one vital leadership position or another – more often than not as president. His passion, dedication, and consummate leadership, over more than half a century of selfless service, impacted profoundly on the vibrancy and quality – quite literally – of millions of Jewish lives.

Now it is our turn to do something in return; a token of our appreciation that at the same time will advance the causes he held so dear. In consultation with his children and his beloved wife Elysia, who stood staunchly by his side in all of his endeavors, we have determined that the most fitting tribute we could pay Steve would be to plant a woodland of trees in his memory in the Israel he loved so deeply. At the time of his death, Steve served not only as president of MERCAZ Olami but also as a vice-president of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). Accordingly, we have made arrangements with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) that half the amount paid for every tree planted will go to further the educational activities of Masorti/Conservative youth around the world.

Our goal for this project is to raise a minimum of $25,000. Please be generous in your contribution, which will not only honor Steve and his family, but will also further the efforts he believed in: reclaiming the Land of Israel and nurturing the next generation of Jewish leadership.